Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Squares
Peanut butter rice krispie squares are quick and easy. Made with pantry staples and ready in a flash they’re much simpler than the marshmallow version, and more substantial.
It’s a simple recipe: sugar, syrup, peanut butter and crispy rice cereal. We usually frost them with a thin layer of melted chocolate chips to dress them up.
Peanut butter and molasses are an epic flavour combination.
If you’re trying to avoid corn syrup, molasses is an easy substitution. In this recipe you can substitute molasses for the full amount of corn syrup or you can use half molasses, half maple syrup (or honey) Using half molasses, half corn syrup is another option.
These squares travel well. This recipe makes sturdy squares that are very chewy. They are very rich as well so we I suggest you cut them into small squares.
These are gluten-free when made with GF crisp rice cereal. Many brands are made with barley malt syrup, which is not gluten free. Be sure to read the ingredient list.
PrintPeanut Butter Rice Krispie Squares
Peanut butter rice krispie squares are quick and easy. Made with pantry staples and ready in a flash.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 30 squares 1x
- Category: Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup Crosby’s Fancy Molasses
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 6 cups crisp rice cereal*
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Grease a 9″ x 9″ pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large pot bring sugar and molasses to the boil, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter.
- Mix well.
- Add rice cereal and stir to combine.
- Pack into prepared pan.
- Melt chocolate chips and spread on top (if using).
- Cool before cutting.
Notes
*To make these gluten free be sure to use GF crisp rice cereal.
Variation: Substitute honey or maple syrup** for 1/2 cup of the molasses.
**Squares made with maple syrup will be drier, less chewy and a little brittle.
Keywords: peanut butter squares; molasses squares; rice krispie squares
Kathy
I’m wondering if you could make these the traditional Rice Krispie treats way and just melt the peanut butter instead of using butter, or a mixture of the two?
Paula B
I made these yesterday, and they are pretty good, but the molasses overpowers the peanut butter and chocolate. I think I’m going to continue with my usual recipe using corn syrup, as it is a more neutral flavour and allows the peanut butter to come through. Love molasses in most other iterations!
Barb
I’m going to try these but with up to 1/2 cup of Agave syrup instead of the sugar. I say ‘up to’ a half cup because it will be a taste test as I go so they aren’t overly sweet but balanced with the molasses. ?
Cynthia Shand
Hi Bridget!
My 4 year old grandson is Celiac and just wondering if these squares would count as Gluten free?
Crosby Molasses
As long as you buy gluten-free crisp rice cereal. Many brands have barley malt syrup in them so you have to read the ingredient list. Other than that they’re gluten free.
Wayne Lind
Sorry, my last comment should have said I sprinkled coconut flakes over the top. Now I think I will now have one to go with my morning coffee.
Janet Bradshaw
You mention corn syrup substitutes but I don’t see it listed in the list of ingredients. Am I missing something?
Crosby Molasses
Hello Janet. In this recipe you can substitute molasses for the full amount of corn syrup or you can use half molasses, half maple syrup (or honey) Using half molasses, half corn syrup is another option. -Marie from Crosby’s Kitchen
WayneMona1 .
Wonderful. Only thing I don’t like is I have trouble eating them all and not sharing.
I sprinkled lots of over top of them.
Thanks, very good
★★★★★
Lila
I am going to make these for sure.Look at the beautiful hand writting
Barbara
Sounds good, but why add 1 cup of sugar? 1 cup of molasses, or combination is sweet enough, yes?
★★★★
Crosby Molasses
They are definitely sweet! A bit like candy. I haven’t tried them with 1 cup molasses only so am not sure what the consistency might be like.
Georgi Hanson
I must try these squares with molasses, I make them with marshmallows other times….will let you know… Thanks…
Sue
Could you substitute honey or maple syrup for the sugar in these Rice Krispie squares?
Ellen
It says in the notes under the recipe :)
NOTES
Variation: Substitute honey or maple syrup for 1/2 cup of the molasses.